Dispenser with heating means

ABSTRACT

A DISPENSING ARRANGEMENT FOR HEATING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT FROM AN AEROSOL CONTAINER. THE AEROSOL CONTAINER IS LOOSELY LOCKED WITHIN THE DISPENSER IN SPACED RELATION THEREON AND DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF THE DISPENSER ACTUATES THE AEROSO VALUE, RELEASING THE CONTENTS INTO AN ELECTRICALLY HEATED HEAT EXCHANGER. MEANS IS PROVIDED TO RELEASE THE CONTENTS OF THE CAN IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING BY THE ELECTRICAL HEATING MEANS WITH ADDITIONAL MEANS PROVIDED TO EFFECT RELEASE OF THE CONTAINER CONTENTS IF HEATED EXTERNALLY.

March 1972 T. R. FLOWERS DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Original FiledJan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR THEODORE R. FLOWERS BY HM)awn-0J Walt T. R. FLOWERS DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Original FiledJan. 17, 1966 March 14, 1972 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 S v m M m m .m wil m W T I5 V m mm A ,.i d R 4 4 E w t K J O R 0 J 3 5 O V. U D 4!. m 1 i m. n 2 3H 6 I. 5 T W J b m fi 2 3 0 B l/ 1/ 0 4 \M \\\\\\X\\\\\\\\\\ 5 8 \F 1 II ll I A 2 I III I E Ek \IE\\ 7 a 3 w l March 14, 1972 T, FLOWERS Re.27,304

DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Original Filed Jan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet5 l'\ llllIlH w INVENTOR THEODORE R. FLOWERS W 1 ATT'YS.

March 1972 'r. R. FLOWERS DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Original FiledJan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 5 8 4 8 3 8 &

INVENTOR S m 5 W 2 L F m J R /J E m 0 4 w X m m W f. 7/ i K Much 19721'. R. FLOWERS DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Original Filed Jan. 17, 19665 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VENTOR THEODORE R. FLOWERS United States Patent27,304 DISPENSER WITH HEATING MEANS Theodore R. Flowers, Fairfield,Conn., assignor to Warner- Lambert Company, Milford, Conn.

Original N0. 3,358,885, dated Dec. 19, 1967, Ser. No. 521,118, Jan. 17,1966. Application for reissue Dec. '18, 1969, Ser. No. 10,663

' Int. Cl. B67d 5/62 U.S. Cl.*-222146 HA 5 Claims ,Matter enclosed inheavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms 'no part of thisreissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additionsmade by reissue.

ABSTRACT. OF THE DISCLOSURE A dispensing arrangement for'heating anddispensing a'product from an aerosol container. The aerosol container isloosely locked within the dispenser in spaced relation thereto anddownward movement of the dispenser actuates th e aerosol valve,releasing the contents into an "electrically heated heat exchanger.Means is provided to release" the contents of the can in the event ofoverheating by the electrical heating means with additional meansprovided to effect release of the container contents if heatedexternally.

This invention relates to a heated dispensing arrangement and morespecifically is directed to an electrically heated dispenser which isparticularly adapted for use with products packaged in pressurizedaerosol-type containers.

Broadly speaking, electrical heaters for use with aerosol-typecontainers are old in the art, however, none of those proposed to datehave served to teach the practical art how to design and manufacture anelectrically heated dispenser foruse with an aerosol-type containerwhich would be commercially feasible. Practically speaking, a variety ofreasons may be given for the failure of the prior art to meet thisdemand. These reasons are mainly centered'on design, manufacturing andsafety problems in existing designs which preclude their widespread use.

One of the considerations is that of heating the product after it hasbeen released from the container and thereafter'continuously dischargingit in its expanded form at an; elevated temperature withoutsubstantially changing its chafacteristicsduring such heating. Anotherconsideration confronting those who propose the commercial use of anelectrically heated dispensing arrangement for use 'with aerosol-typecontainers was one of somewhat greater concern. This had to do with theproblem of safety, as aerosol-type containers should not be subject toheating or a heated environment. More specifically, elevating thetemperature of the aerosol container above normal ambient temperaturespresents a potential hazard which must be avoided especially'incommercial products where the intelligence of the users varies.Accordingly, if heating or a heated environment is to be provided forthe contents of the aerosol-type container, it must be under carefullycontrolled'cir'cumstances with adequate safety featuresto protect theuserspAdditional considerations included properly locating theelectrical heating means where it would be precludedfrom contact withthe container contents to eliminate any possible shook hazard, but yetbe located for goodheat transferring efficiency. Coupled with theforegoing, the usual considerations of manufacturing convenience andeconomy have prevented wide scale commercialization of electricallyheated dispensers usable withaerosol-type containers.

The present invention relates to a new and improved dispensingarrangement having an electrical heating means appropriately locatedWhere it may Warm a heat exchanger WhlCh in turn transfers the heat to aproduct released from an aerosol-type container. The heat transferoccurs after expansion of the product and does not substantial- 1yaifect the characteristics prior to discharge from a dispensing nozzle.Suitable means is provided whereby the aerosol-type container isremovably locked in the dispenser shell with the nozzle portion in axialalignment wlth a heat exchange means. Limited relative axial movementbetween the aerosol-type container and dispenser is permitted wherebythe dispensing function will occur when the dispenser shell enclosingthe heater and heat exchange means is depressed.

The dispenser is formed from two shell sections which co-operate to forma cylindrical barrel and a dispensing nozzle. A housing closes off oneend of the shell and serves as a mounting means for supporting a heatexchanger, and a heater in intimate heat exchange relation. An outlet onthe heat exchanger permits release of the expanded product through thedispensing nozzle which is formed integral with the co-operating shellsections. A novel switch arrangement is provided which positivelyprecludes contact by the user with the electrical circuit therebyeliminating the usual hazards.

The present invention permits the use of aerosol-type containers asreplaceable cartridges for the heated dispensing arrangement. Obviously,the contents of the aerosol container may be varied to include anysubstance which may be packaged therein and which is flowable through aheat exchanger to take on heat prior to dispensing. For convenience,however, the present invention will be described in connection with aknown type of shaving lather packaged in an aerosol-type container. Theaerosol container is provided with a base having means thereon tointerlcok it within the cylindrical shell forming the dispensingarrangement which means also serves to limit the longitudinal movementwithin the shell and provides an additional safety means to effectrelease of the contents of the aerosol-type containers shouldoverheating occur for any reason. The present design provides athermostatically controlled switch means which warms the heat exchangerto the desired temperature in a matter of seconds and thereaftermaintains it in a heated condition throughout the dispensing function. Amodified form of the invention provides means for maintaining theaerosol container and heat exchanger spaced prior to dispensing toprevent any heat transfer to the aerosol container. A betterunderstanding of the salient features of the present invention may behad by a consideration of the objects and attendant detaileddescription.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a dispensingdevice having an electrically heated heat exchange means which warms thecontents released from an aerosol-type container.

A further object of this invention is to provide anew and improveddispensing arrangement which is adapted for use with aerosol-typecontainers of substantially conventional design and which iseconomically manufactured.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improveddispensing arrangement for dispensing a heated product from aerosol-typecontainers and having novel safety features to prevent container rupturein the event of accidental overheating. Y 7

Additional objects other than those specifically stated will becomeapparent on consideration of thedrawings and when considered inc'onjunctionwith the-specificatio and claims. I

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing arrangement ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the dispensing arrangementof FIG. 1 with the aerosol-type container base, heat exchanger, andheating means illustrated in full elevation;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view similar to FIG. 2illustrating the aerosol-type container and heat exchanger in crosssection;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the heating means;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the dispensing arrangement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of one of the shell sections;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken through the housingillustrating the heat exchanger in full elevation and the mounting ringand heating means in cross section;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing arrangement shown in FIG.2 with the aerosol-type container omitted;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken through the housinggenerally along the lines 99 of FIG. 2 illustrating the magneticallyoperated switch;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 10-10of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a modified form of dispensingarrangement having a means to maintain the aerosol-type container spacedfrom the heat exchanger;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 with the aerosoltype container inthe dispensing position; and

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of a modified form ofcontainer base.

The basic arrangement of elements forming the dis pensing arrangement ofthe present invention is illustrated in the exploded perspective view ofFIG. 1. A pair of molded shell sections 11 and 12 are shown to theimmediate left and right of an aerosol-type container 13 having anannular container base 14 adapted to be disposed around the bottom ofthe aerosol-type container 13. A housing or hood 15 is adapted to beinterfitted within the molded shell sections 11 and 12 and serves tomount a heating means 16 through a mounting ring 17. A heat exchanger 18is also joined to the mounting ring 17 by mounting brackets 20 and 21and co-operating fasteners 22 and 23. A back flow seal 30 seals the heatexchanger to the shells 11 and 12 when they are assembled.

A magnet 24, adapted to be positioned in a recess in the top of thehousing or hood 15, is covered by a switch lever 25 which in turn iscovered by a switch cover plate 26 having a central opening 27. A lensor window 28 is adapted for positioning within the opening 27 and isformed of transparent material to permit viewing of an indicating meanswhich informs the user that the appropriate temperature has been reachedand dispensing may commence.

The molded shell sections 11 and 12 form a generally cylindrical bore 31closed off at one end by the housing 15. The aerosol-type container 13may be loosely positioned within the bore 31, being locked to the shellsby the container base 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, it can be observed that the shells 11and 12 are substantially identical except for minor changes along theirlongitudinal margins to facilitate joining as will be seen. Each shellsection may be formed of plastic by conventional molding techniques andmay include one half of the nozzle 32 with the other or co-operatingidentical half of the nozzle 32 being formed on the other molded shellsection. A radially opening groove 33 is formed adjacent the top of theshell 11 while the shell 12 is provided with a similar or correspondinggroove 35 both of which serve to mount the housing 15 when assembled.Each of the grooves may be interrupted as shown in the groove 35 at 36to prevent 4 rotation of the housing 15 within the groove after it isassembled to the shell sections 11 and 12.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, the molded shell section 12 is providedwith a cord opening 37 in the rear wall communicating with alongitudinally extending groove 38 which opens at the base of the shell12. This facilitates the reception and positioning of the cord whichconducts current to operate the electrical heating element 16. Half ofthe nozzle 32 carried on the shell section 12 is provided with anopening 40 which is of semi-circular cross section and opens into anannular seal mounting area 41. The other half of the nozzle 32, on theshell 11, is provided with an interior construction which is identicalsothat the two form an annular seal mounting area and annular passage-way40 in the nozzle 32.

The open side of cord groove 38 on the shell section 12 is closed off byupstanding rib 42 (FIG. 8) which is molded integral with the shellsection 11. Ribs 43 and 44 are formed on the inner wall midway betweenthe longitudinal margins of the shell 12 and project inwardly to formguides to center the container 13. Similar ribs 45 and 46 are formed onthe shell section 11 for the same purpose.

The lower end of the shell section 12 is provided with a radiallyinwardly extending flange 50 which is interrupted by equally spacedinclined grooves 51 and 52. Similar grooves 53 and 54 are provided inthe radially inwardly extending flange 55 formed on the base of the bodyof the shell section 11. Flanges 50 and 55 are substantially continuouswhen the shell sections 11 and 12 are assembled, being interrupted onlyby the equally spaced grooves 5154.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the container base 14 includes acircumferential body portion 56 provided with lug 57-60 adjacent oneend. At the opposite end is formed a radially inwardly projecting flange61 which serves to support the base of the container 13. An annulargroove 62 is formed in the inner circumferential portion at the junctionof the body portion 56 and flange 61. A raised head formed by the rollseam 63 on the container 13 at the junction of the concave bottom walland side wall of the container 13 is snapped into the groove 62cffectively to lock the container 13 and base 14 together. A

stop 64 is formed coextensive with the inner periphery of the flange onthe bottom of the shells 11 and 12 and serves to guide thecircumferential portion 56 of the base during longitudinal relativemovement between the assembled shells and container 13. In addition, thestop 64 serves to limit the rotational movement of the base 14 relativeto the shells 11 and 12 inasmuch as it engages one of the radiallyprojecting lugs 5760.

As seen in FIG. 2, the aerosol-type container 13 is em braced by theshell 12 and has a nozzle portion 65 which projects upwardly forco-operation with the heat exchanger 18. The base 14 is interlockedwithin the flanges 50 and 55 of the molded shell sections 12 and 11respectively, to permit the entire dispensing arrangement to betransported as a unit. 4

The relation of the heat exchanger 18 and heating means is bestunderstood by reference to FIGS. 3-7. The heat exchanger 18 may be ofany suitable type with the one shown being of the type described in thecopending application, Ser. No. 393,566, now US. Patent 3,292,823,entitled Dispenser with Heat Exchanger at its Discharge Outlet andincludes an outer shell which is shaped to a cup-like design having acentral inlet opening 71 for receiving the nozzle 65 on the container13. A laterally ex; tending outlet portion .72 fluid-tightly mounts oneend of a tubular conduit 73 while the opposite end projects into thenozzle 32 having the outer peripheral portion sealed within the nozzle32 by means of the back flow sealing member 30. When the contents arereleased through the heat exchanger 18, they flow out through theopening 40 and may not escape into the chamber 31.

A metal heat transfer strip 74 is formed substantially equal to thedepth of the cup 70 and is wound into a spiral configuration with tabs75 forming spaces to space the outer strips from the preceding strip.Winding of the heat transfer strip is initiated by starting at theopening 71 and continuously winding the strip upon itself so that fluidadmitted at the inlet opening 71 will wind spirally around the strip 75being ultimately released in the outlet opening 72 where it is forcedout the opening 40. The spirally wound heat transfer strip 75 hassubstantial thermal mass and is formed of good heat conducting materialwhich readily absorbs heat from the heating means for release to thefluid passing across the heat transfer surfaces. The details of the heatexchanger construction and function may be found in the applicationalluded to above.

Crimped around the edges and covering the top margin of the body 70 toform a chamber is a cover 76 which has the center panel portion inintimate engagement with the top edges of the spirally wound strip 74.The cover 76 forms the top half of the lateral opening 72 which mountsthe conduit 73. The joint formed by the crimped edges of the cover 76and the body 70 of the heat exchanger 18 defines an outwardly projectingflange which is received in abutting engagement within an opening 77 inthe mounting ring 17. The opening 77 also provides a mounting area forthe heater 16 which is disposed in intimate heat transferring relationwith the heat exchanger 18.

As best seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, the heater 16includes a cup-shaped shell 80 which may be formed of a suitableconducting metal such as aluminum or the like, and may be of generallycircular form having a flat chord portion formed along one side toprovide a shape which will overlie and contact the top cover 76 of theheat exchanger. The flat chord portion is formed to fit around theraised outlet 72. A layer of mica 81, shaped to the same generalconfiguration as the shell 80, is positioned at the bottom of the heaterbody 80. A heating element 82 formed of high resistance wire 83 wound ona mica base 84 or the equivalent is disposed on the mica layer 81 and asecond mica layer 85 containing terminals 86 and 87 overlies the heatingelement 82 to form a sandwich with the layer of mica 81 to electricallyinsulate the heating element 82. The terminals 86 and 87 are joined tothe free ends of the high resistance wire 83 to facilitate connection toa power source.

A thermal switch 88 of conventional design is provided with a speciallyshaped pressure plate 89 which is fastened to the thermal switch 88 andpositioned over the layer of mica 85. Cutaway portions are provided onthe pressure plate 89 to permit the terminals '86 and 87 to extendupwardly to facilitate wiring. The sandwich containing the heatingelement 82 and pressure plate 89 of the thermal switch 88 is positionedin the heater body 80 and tabs 90, 91, 92 and 93 are then rolled or bentinwardly to clamp the elements in the stacked relation shown in FIG. 7.The concave shape of the bottom of the heater cup 80' assists inclamping or pinching the heating element 82 for good heat transfer.Positioning lugs 94, 95 and 96 on the body 80 remain axially directed toposition the heating means 16 in the housing through engagement withupstanding posts (only 121 and 122 shown in FIG. 7) in the housing 15.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the thermal switch 88 is of conventionaldesign being available on the open market and includes a bi-metallicelement 98 having a ceramic button 99 at one end. Switch blade members100 and 101 are provided with electrical contacts 102 and 103respectively, and are serially connected in one side of the power linebeing mounted on a common mounting post 104 which also serves to clampan adjusting leaf 105 having a threaded fastener 106. A non-conductingor insulating portion 107 is carried on the tip of the fastener 106projecting through blade 101 to engage blade 102 thereby permitting thedegree of contact of the conducting portions 102 and 103 to be adjusted.

As the bi-metallic element 98 is heated, the tip of the ceramic button99 engages the blade 101 to separate the electrical contacts 102 and103. The fastener 106 precludes upward movement of the contact 102. Whenthe bi-metallic element 98 cools, as occurs during release of shavingcream through the heat exchanger 18, the bimetallic element straightensand the contacts 102 and .103 move to the closed position and heating ofthe heat exchanger is resumed. A neon lamp 110 of conventional design iswired in parallel with the contacts 102 and 103 and is illuminated whencontacts 102 and 103 separate thereby indicating to the user that theheat exchanger has reached the operating temperature.

The mounting ring 17 may be formed of heat resistant plastic and isprovided with a central opening 77 which is shaped to receive theheating means 116. A radially projecting groove 111 accommodates thelaterally extending bi-metallic element 98' providing adequate freedomfor it to flex in response toheating and cooling. An upstanding post.112 is formed at the rear of the mounting ring 17 to elevate andposition the cord from the heating means 16. One side of the cord 113 iswired directly to the terminal post 114 on the thermal switch while theother wire is connected to the input terminal 115 on the off-on switch.

As seen in FIGS. l-3, 7 and 8, the housing 15 is generally cup-shaped,having a bore which houses the heating means 16. The bore 120 isprovided with a plurality of axially extending post members 121 and 122which engage the positioning lugs 95 and 96 respectively. A third postmember (not shown) engages the positioning lug 94 so that the heatingelement is clamped against the posts by the heat exchanger 18 andmounting ring 17. The axiall extending posts project from an end wall123 of the housing 15 having a central opening 124 which is surroundedon the outward side by an axially projecting flange 125. The wall 123serves as a mount for the switch plate 25 and the switch contactsoperated thereby which control the energizing of the heater coil.

The outer side of the end wall 123 is provided with a depression or well127 which houses the magnet 24. A switch blade 128 has one end fastenedto the inner side of the wall 123 with the terminal 115 by fastener 134.The opposite end of the switch blade 128 is free to move and is providedwith a button or contact 130 adapted for engagement with a contact 131carried on a fixed terminal 132 mounted on the wall 123 by means of athreaded fastener 133. Intermediate the button 130 and the threadedfastener 134 is mounted a second button 135 formed of magneticallyattractable material.

When the switch blade 12% is in the position shown in FIG. 10, themagnetically attractable button 135, engages the underside of the bottomwall portion 136 in the well 127, due to the attraction of the magnet 24which is shown in solid lines positioned directly over the button 135.When the magnet is moved angularly to the position shown in phantomlines, the switch blade 128, due to its natural resilience, moves to theposition shown in phantom lines, separating the contacts 130 and 13-1 tointerrupt the circuit between the terminals 115 and 132 and the flow ofpower applied to the heating means 16.

Suitable means is provided to shift the magnet 24 between the off and onpositions which positions may be labeled by means of suitable indicia.The switch lever 25 is provided with downwardly struck tabs i140 and 141which engage opposite sides of the magnet 24 for shifting it in the well127 in response to rotation of the switch plate 25. Total angularmovement of the switch lever 25 is limited by the magnet engagingopposite end walls of the well 127. On the outward facing part of theend wall 123, the axially projecting flange 125 is received in anopening 142 in the switch plate to provide a bearing or guide surfacearound which the switch plate rotates between the on and 01f positions.

The switch cover plate 26 has an axially projecting flange 143 which isinterfitted within and adhesively joined to the axially directed flange125 and serves to align the opening 27 in the cover plate with theopening 124 in the center of the wall 123. When the clear plastic lens28 is inserted, it is aligned with the lamp 110 which is positioned inalignment with the opening 124 where it may be easily seen through thelens 28. The lamp 110 is joined to the housing 15 by a waterproofing cap110 which seals the opening 124.

The mounting ring 17 supporting the heat exchanger and the heating meansis positioned in the housing 15 after the necessary electricalconnections are made. The power cord 113 is brought over the post 112and the mounting ring 17, is brought into abutment with a shoulder 144which extends around the lower margins of the side walls of the housing15. Threaded fasteners 146, 147 and 148 extend through the mounting ring17 into posts 150, 151 and 152- formed integral with the housing 15 andhaving the upper end disposed at the same elevation as the shoulder 144.The mounting posts 150', 151 and 152 are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8and may be of any desired construction.

The housing sub-assembly, consisting of the assembled switch, heatingmeans, cover plate, lens, water proofing cap, and heat exchanger mountedin the housing 15, is then inserted into the shells with the annular rib34 on the housing 15 receive the grooves 33 and 35 in each of the shells11 and 1 2. The shells may be secured by mechanical means or an adhesiveafter the cord is properly positioned in the cord groove 38. The aerosolcontainer 13 having the base 14 assembled thereon may then be insertedwithin the bore 31 and locked in place and the unit is ready for use.

In operation, the switch plate 25 is rotated so that the pointer isaxially aligned with the on indicia where the magnet 24 is disposed overthe button 135 where it draws the switch contacts 130 and 131 intoengagement as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Since the bi-metallic element inthe thermal switch is cold, the heater contacts 102 and 103 are in theengaged or conducting condition shown in FIG. 3, completing the circuitthrough the resistance element 83 and causing it to heat. Heat from theshell 80 is transferred to the heat exchanger 18 through the cover plate76 to the individual spirals on the heat exchange element 74 to elevatethe temperature. As soon as the operating temperature is reached, thecontacts 102 and 103 are automatically broken by the button 99 on thebi-metallic element on the thermal switch and the indicating lamp 110*will be illuminated and dispensing may commence. Light downward forcemay be applied to the cover plate 26 causing the nozzle 65 to moveinwardly of the aerosol container 13 to release the contents.

As shown in FIG. 3, the valve arrangement of the container 13 consistsof a plunger element 160 formed integral with the nozzle 65. A biasingspring 161 urges the plunger 160 to seat against the top wall 162 topreclude the passage'of fluid out the nozzle 65, however, when thenozzle 65 is depressed, a lateral opening 163 formed in the tubularnozzle 65 is moved past the fixed valve seat 162 permittingcommunication through the flexible hose 164 which extends to the bottom165 of the container 13. Fluid may then pass through the hose 164, thespring 161, around the plunger 160 and out the opening 163 into the heatexchanger, where it is expanded into a foam which is continuously forcedaround the spirally wound heat exchange element to take on heat. As morefluid is released, the heated foam is continuously emitted from theoutlet opening through the nozzle 40 where it may be applied to theshavers face in a known manner.

One important feature of the invention in addition to those described,is the relationship of the container to the bore 31 in the shells 11 and12 which embraces the same. Sufficient axial movement between thecontainer and shells 11 and 1-2 is available so that the nozzle 65 maybe depressed releasing the contents from the container 13. Shouldoverheating of the container 13 occur for any cause, such as, forexample, failure of the thermal switch, the valve nozzle 65 and integralplunger are of plastic material which will melt at 500-700 F. Thistemperature will be reached by the valve well in advance of overheatingof the container inasmuch as the nozzle 65 ac tually touches the heatexchanger. As the nozzle 65 melts the entire dispenser will drop,continue its downward travel until the ends of the guides 43- 46 and aninwardly projecting ledge 47 at the junction of the shells 11 and 12engage the top of the container base 14. 1f the melting has causedfailure of the valve the pressurized product will be released from thecontainenln the absence of the stops or the failure to engage the baseto arrest downward movement to maintain the container 13 and heatexchanger separated, the valve housing 167 in the container beingdisposed above the outer rim 168 engages the heat exchanger 18 as thenozzle 65 melts to cause further melting of the valve plunger 160releasing the pressurized product and alleviating any danger.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a modified form of the invention isillustrated with portions of the shell broken away to show theaerosol-type container and attached base in full elevation. Theconstruction Shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is similar to the dispensingarrangement shown previously and the housing 200, switch 201, switchplate 202, and lens 303 may be identical to those previously described.The housing 200 contains a heating means (not shown) and heat exchanger204 mounted by a bracket 220' to a mounting ring 205. The mounting ring205 is substantially identical to the mounting ring shown in theembodiment of FIGS. l-l O with the exception that it is formed with anaxially facing spring seat shoulder 206 on the underside portion. Theshell sections 211 and 212 are also similar to the shell sections 11 and12 except that each is provided with an inwardly projecting flange 207forming a stop for an annular washer 208 in addition to being slightlygreater in over-all length. A coil spring 210 has one end receivedaround the circumferential spring guide flange 221 and is bottomedagainst the spring seat shoulder 206. The opposite end of the spring 210is in engagement with the washer 208 and includes a centering flange222.

The radial flange 207 retains the spring 210 and washer 208 within theshell 211 and 212 when aerosoltype container 213 is withdrawn byunlocking the base 214 from the shells in the mannerdescribedpreviously. The washer 208 has an inside diameter 215 which is greaterthan the diameter of the upper neck 216 of the aerosol-type containerbut less than the over-all diameter of the body so that the washer seatson the frustoconical surface 217 joining the upper neck 216 and the mainbody of the aerosol-type container 213.. The force developed by thespring 210 is suflicient to maintain the nozzle 218 on the aerosol-typecontainer spaced from the heat exchanger 204 in the absence of externalforce thus preventing any heat transfer through the nozzle to thecontainer proper. It is contemplated that the thermostatically operatedheating unit will be set for a maximum temperature which will besuitable for shaving but well below the upper design limits of theaerosoltype container 213 so heat transfer normally is not a problem,however, the spaced arrangement protects against this.

To effect dispensing in the embodiment of FIG. 11, downward force isapplied to the switch plate 202 causing the nozzle 218 to'enter anopening 220 in the heat exchanger 204. The downward force must be ofsuflicient magnitude to overcome the combined force effects on thespring 210 and the valve spring (not shown) which is carried internallyof the aerosol-type container. When the force is released, the spring210 returns the dispenser and aerosol-type container to the relativecondition shown in FIG. 11, and the valve spring cuts ofi product flowin a well known manner.

It is to be appreciated that the spacing between the heat exchanger 204and the nozzle 218 of the aerosoltype container 213 is sufiicient toprevent heat transfer to the latter. Since the only available heat pathis through the shoulder 206, spring 210 and inner diameter of the washer208, direct heating of the container 213 is possible. Should heattransfer through the spring present a problem, a second flange may beformed integral with the shells 211 and 212 above the flange 207 toprovide a longer heat path. In such event, the mounting ring 17 of FIG.1 may be used in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12.

When the aerosol-type container 213 is removed by unlocking the base 214from the shells 211 and 212, the shoulder 207 arrests the downwardtravel of the washer 208 maintaining the spring tensioned slightly. Whena fresh container is inserted, the frusto-conical surface 217 iscentered within the washer and assists in aligning the nozzle 218 withthe inlet opening 220 and the heat exchanger 204.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a modified form of container base 230 isillustrated in cross section having upstanding side walls 231 and abottom wall 232. The inner construction of the container base 13 issimilar to that illustrated in FIG. 3, having flanges 233 and 234 forinterlocking wtih the flange 240 the shell sections 241 embracing theaerosol container 235. The container 235 is provided with a concavebottom 236 like that illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3, however,the bottom of the container base 230 in FIG. 13 is thickened to engagethe concave bottom 236. With this container base construction, shouldover-heating of the container occur for any cause, the concave bottom236 will assume a convex shape prior to failure of the container. Thischange in shape is suflicient to increase the over-all dimension of thecontainer 13 so that the lugs 233 and 234 engage the lower flange 240 onthe shell sections 241 and the now convex bottom 236 reacts against thebase 230 to press the nozzle against the heat exchanger (not shown). Asthe bottom 236 assumes a convex shape, the seam at the margin of the canslides upwardly in the groove 242 and the nozzle of the container 235 isdepressed to release the pressurized product and eliminate the hazard.

After considering the foregoing, it can be appreciated that thedispenser of the present invention avoids the problems and disadvantagesof the prior art. In addition, an attractive compact dispenser isprovided which is economical to produce and sufficiently rugged toendure the expected abuse. Changing of the aerosol-type container may beaccomplished with unequaled ease by merely twisting the base aboutone-fourth of a turn to permit the lugs 57-60 to travel down the slots51-54. The aerosoltype container does not need any special adapter sincethe conventional nozzle normally supplied with each is fiuidtightlyreceived in the opening 70 in the heat exchanger.

Upon a consideration of the foregoing, it will become obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the invention embodied herein. Therefore, only suchlimitations should be imposed as are indicated by the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, an aerosol container and a dis- 6 pensing arrangementfor use in dispensing a pressurized product from said aerosol containerin a heated condition,

said aerosol container having a depressible nozzle portion whichoperates a valve to release the product from said container, saiddispensing arrangement including a hollow shell closed off at one end bya housing portion, said shell enveloping atleast a part of said aerosolcontainer, electrical heating means mounted in said housing portion ofsaid shell in engagement with a heat exchanger, said heat exchangerhaving an inlet and an outlet and being mounted between said electricalheating means and said aerosol container, said inlet being adapted toreceive the nozzle on said aerosol container for releasing said productfor passage through said heat exchanger whereby said product will bewarmed before leaving said outlet, [and] means mounted on said aerosolcontainer and engaging said hollow shell [to permit limited longitudinalmovement] when assembled thereto to maintain it [loosely and] removablypositioned within said shell with said nozzle located in axial alignmentwith said inlet on said heat exchanger, and means operatively associatedwithsaid housing portion for depressing said nozzle.

2. The dispensing arrangement of claim 1 wherein said aerosol containerhas a portion thereof which houses said nozzle disposed above theremaining portion of said aerosol container whereby failure of saidheating means causing overheating will result in melting said nozzlewithin said portion of said aerosol container to continuously releasesaid product.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means mounted on said aerosolcontainer to maintain it [loosely and] removably joined to said shellcomprises a continuous annular base joined to said aerosol container andlocked into said shell for relative movement between defined limits topermit dispensing.

4. The dispensing arrangement of claim 3 wherein said aerosol containeris provided with a bowed bottom wall portion and means is provided onsaid base for engagement by said bowed position when distorted byexcessive internal pressure in said container to move said containerrelative to said shell and said base thereby initiating dispensing torelieve the excessive internal pressure.

5. The dispensing arrangement of claim 1 including means to maintainsaid heat exchanger spaced from said aerosol container during periods ofnon-dispensing.

References Cited The following references, cited by the Examiner, are ofrecord in the patented file of this patent or the original patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,338,476 8/1967 Marcoux 222-146 HA 2,914,22211/1959 Meshberg 222162 3,302,834 2/1967 Alsop 222-183 X 3,347,42310/1967 Rahn et a1. 222183 3,487,979 1/1970 Altounyan et al. 222183888,488 5/1908 Gurley 22254 2,148,986 2/1939 Hoyt 239 2,822,961 2/1958Seaquist 222397 2,914,222 11/1959 Meshberg 222162 2,966,283 12/1960Darvie 222162 X 3,098,925 7/1963 Fonts et a1 222146 X 3,134,191 5/1964Davis 222--146 X 3,144,174 8/1964 Abplanalp 222l46 3,292,823 12./1966Weidman et a1. 222394 X STANLEY TOLLBERG, Primary Examiner

